The Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) has officially released the Combined Competitive Examination (CCE) 2025 notification, marking the beginning of one of the most significant recruitment drives for state civil services in recent years. With 78 vacancies spread across 11 different services, this examination offers a major opportunity for graduates aspiring to enter the administrative framework of Assam.
The online application process will commence on 13 April 2026 and continue until 3 May 2026, while the Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for 5 July 2026.
This article presents a comprehensive and structured breakdown of the notification—covering vacancies, eligibility, exam structure, application process, and preparation strategy—so that aspirants can approach the examination with clarity and confidence.
Understanding the APSC Combined Competitive Examination
The APSC Combined Competitive Examination is conducted to recruit candidates into Group A and Group B gazetted posts under the Government of Assam. These positions play a crucial role in policy implementation, district administration, law enforcement, and governance.
The examination is governed by the Assam Public Services Combined Competitive Examination Rules, 1989, with subsequent amendments, most recently updated in 2023. Over the years, the APSC CCE has evolved into a highly competitive examination, comparable in structure and prestige to the UPSC Civil Services Examination at the national level.
Overview of APSC CCE 2025
| Particular | Details |
| Conducting Authority | Assam Public Service Commission |
| Advertisement Number | 01/2026 |
| Notification Date | 10 April 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 78 |
| Total Services/Posts | 11 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Application Portal | apscrecruitment.in |
| Application Start Date | 13 April 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 3 May 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 5 May 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | 5 July 2026 (Tentative) |
| Main Examination Centre | Guwahati |
Detailed Vacancy Distribution
The APSC CCE 2025 notification includes a diverse set of posts across administrative, enforcement, and regulatory departments. The distribution is as follows:
| Service/Post | Number of Vacancies |
| Assam Civil Service (Junior Grade) | 45 |
| Assam Police Service (Junior Grade) | 6 |
| District Transport Officer | 3 |
| Superintendent of Excise | 1 |
| Assistant Registrar of Cooperative Societies | 2 |
| Assam Urban Administrative Service | 2 |
| Inspector of Labour | 5 |
| Inspector of Excise | 1 |
| Assistant Employment Officer | 8 |
| Sub-Registrar | 4 |
| Research Assistant | 1 |
| Total | 78 |
A significant observation is that the Assam Civil Service alone accounts for more than half of the total vacancies, making this cycle particularly favorable for candidates targeting administrative roles.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality and Residency
Applicants must be:
- Citizens of India
- Recognized as original inhabitants of Assam
Proof of residency is a mandatory requirement and must be supported by valid documentation such as PRC or equivalent certification.
Age Limit (as on 1 January 2025)
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
| General | 21 years | 38 years |
| OBC/MOBC | 21 years | 41 years |
| SC/ST | 21 years | 43 years |
| PwBD | 21 years | 48 years |
Age will be calculated strictly based on the Class 10 or equivalent certificate. No alternative documents will be accepted for age verification.
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. The degree must be obtained before the submission of the application form.
Additional Conditions
- Proficiency in Assamese or any recognized regional language
- Registration with an Employment Exchange in Assam
- Submission of Small Family Norms declaration (Form-A)
Failure to meet any of these conditions may lead to disqualification at later stages.
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Total Payable Amount |
| General | ₹297.20 |
| OBC/MOBC | ₹197.20 |
| SC/ST | ₹47.20 |
| BPL | ₹47.20 |
| PwBD | ₹47.20 |
| Women (All Categories) | ₹47.20 |
The fee includes a processing charge collected by CSC-SPV, which is applicable to all candidates. The application fee, once paid, is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Selection Process Explained
The APSC CCE follows a three-stage selection process, each designed to evaluate different competencies of the candidate.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination serves as a screening test.
| Paper | Subject | Marks | Nature |
| Paper I | General Studies | 200 | Merit-based |
| Paper II | CSAT | 200 | Qualifying |
Key points:
- Paper II requires a minimum of 33% marks to qualify
- Negative marking applies to Paper I
- Marks obtained in Prelims are not included in final merit
Candidates are shortlisted for the Mains examination in a ratio of approximately 11–12 times the number of vacancies.
Stage 2: Main Examination
The Mains is a descriptive written examination designed to assess analytical ability, conceptual clarity, and articulation.
| Paper | Marks |
| Essay | 250 |
| General Studies Papers (5) | 1250 |
| Total | 1500 |
All papers are conventional (essay-type), requiring structured and well-argued answers. Candidates may write the examination in English or Assamese.
Stage 3: Interview / Personality Test
| Component | Marks |
| Interview | 180 |
The interview evaluates:
- Intellectual clarity
- Decision-making ability
- Awareness of socio-political issues
- Communication skills
Final ranking is determined by combining Mains and Interview scores (Total: 1680 marks).
Application Process: Step-by-Step
- Visit the official portal: apscrecruitment.in
- Complete the One-Time Registration (OTR)
- Log in and fill out the application form
- Upload required documents (PDF format)
- Upload photograph and signature (JPEG format)
- Review all details carefully
- Proceed to payment
- Submit and download the application form
Candidates currently employed in government service must submit an undertaking informing their employer.
Examination Centres
- Preliminary Examination: Conducted across multiple centres in Assam
- Main Examination: Conducted exclusively in Guwahati
Candidates from distant districts should plan travel and accommodation in advance.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 10 April 2026 |
| Application Start | 13 April 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 3 May 2026 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 5 May 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam | 5 July 2026 |
Preparation Strategy for APSC CCE 2025
Preliminary Examination Strategy
Greater emphasis should be placed on General Studies Paper I, particularly:
- Assam-specific history, geography, and polity
- Current affairs (state, national, and international)
- Economic and environmental issues
Given the presence of negative marking, accuracy must be prioritized over attempts.
Main Examination Strategy
Preparation should focus on:
- Answer writing practice
- Conceptual understanding of topics
- Integration of current affairs into answers
- Balanced and structured presentation
Interview Preparation
Candidates should:
- Develop clarity regarding career motivation
- Stay informed about current developments in Assam
- Practice mock interviews to improve articulation and confidence
Conclusion
The APSC CCE 2025 notification presents a significant opportunity for aspirants seeking a career in public administration in Assam. With a substantial number of vacancies, particularly in the Assam Civil Service, this cycle is expected to witness intense competition.
Candidates are advised to approach the process systematically—beginning with early application, followed by disciplined preparation aligned with the examination pattern.
For official updates and application submission, refer to:
- apsc.nic.in
- apscrecruitment.in
Aspirants should rely on the official notification for final verification of all details.